Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered how online casinos work legally? Well, the thing is legal tag for online gambling starts with a gambling license. You can think of a gambling license as a legal permission slip, that you can continue! So, these license papers are quite crucial because they make sure that casinos are safe, fair, and legal (do not break rules) for players like you.
If you are not aware of gambling licensing, you should know that all licenses are not the same. Some countries have really strict rules to protect players. Here, we will be talking about online gambling licenses. Before choosing a gambling jurisdiction you must consider several criteria including tax, payment/bank services, and regulatory environment.
Today, we will list the top 5 online gambling licensing jurisdiction details for you, so that you can make a proper decision on where you can set up your business.
The 5 Best Places to Get a Gambling License Online
Which one is the best will depend from which country your future gambling customer will come from. But let´s start with one of the most sought after license:
Malta
Malta is a prominent European region’s gambling jurisdiction and it is quite popular among Europ based online gaming industry. It started in 1965 and is in the capital city, Valletta. In Malta, there’s a special agency called the Gaming Authority that takes care of all the gambling licenses which was established in 1968.
This agency makes sure that casinos and betting websites follow the rules. One cool fact about Malta is that it charges less tax for online casinos. Online gaming companies pay only 5% tax, while regular casinos pay 30%. The fee to get a license is €2,330 for the first year and then €1,165 every year after that. There are three different categories online gaming owners can apply for –
- Remote gaming
- Casino gaming and
- Lotteries
But getting a license in Malta isn’t easy. Companies have to prove they are trustworthy and understand how to run a gambling business. They need to provide lots of documents, like their financial reports and details about their business plan. Also, the software (online platform) they use is checked very carefully to make sure it’s fair and safe for players. That´s why MGA Casinos are on of the most secure Online Casinos
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a popular place for gambling businesses. The government and local regulators really care about this industry. They offer special licenses and treatment to make it attractive for companies and players worldwide.
The Isle of Man Gambling Control Commission is very reputable for online gambling management. They give two types of licenses, the first one is online casinos and the second one is bookmakers (poker rooms, and sports betting websites). If a company wants a license, it needs to have its main office on the island.
Normally, getting a license here isn’t too complicated. Companies can send all the needed papers online, which is quite time and money-saving. The application fee is £5,000, with an advanced fee of £1,000, and companies pay £35,000 every year. Taxes depend on how much money the company makes. If a company is just starting, the commission does not demand a high amount of capital to give a license. However, they need to show they’re trustworthy and offer fair games.
Gibraltar
In Gibraltar, online gambling is a safe and enjoyable experience. You will feel just like playing in a local casino. The Gambling Commission will give you a license if you apply for it. The commission also monitors all gambling activities. Another important organization for gambling activity monetization is the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA), which ensures everyone follows the rules and laws.
Getting a license in Gibraltar is a lengthy process. Companies have to meet strict requirements, such as having a director living in Gibraltar and a company needs to be controlled by someone from Gibraltar. First, they need a casino or bookmaker license, and then they can apply for an online gambling license. This special license allows them to offer a variety of online games to people currently present in Gibraltar. In Gibraltar, players can explore tons of games like roulette, table games, lotteries, blackjack, and many more.
Alderney
The next to our list of best places to get a gambling license online is Alderney. The tiny island of Alderney lies off the coast of Normandy, France. There is a high demand for gambling licenses in this city. The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing online gambling operators on the island. It holds a great reputation in the gambling industry. The place has gained recent popularity after the Australian casino scams. People who don’t know about the place may not recognize it as a reliable place. However, if you dig a little bit, you’ll find it’s gambling heaven.
Situated in the Channel Islands, just off the coast of Normandy, France, Alderney may not be a household name, but it holds a formidable reputation in the online gambling world.
AGCC offers two primary types of licenses:
Category 1: This license permits operators to offer remote gambling products and services to Alderney residents and individuals within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Category 2: Licensees under this category can provide remote gambling products and services to Alderney residents and individuals outside the EEA. As a result, if you are looking for an online gambling license for your website, you should consider them.
The AGCC is known for its rigorous standards and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the industry. Many leading gaming operators have chosen Alderney as their home due to the island’s secure environment and reputable regulatory framework.
Curacao (Netherlands Antilles)
Since 1996, the Curacao has been operating successfully. Curaçao lies in the Southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. First, it introduced licensing requirements for online casinos. In addition to being one of the cheapest jurisdictions to get a gaming license, Curacao also offers a fast licensing process. License holders must be incorporated in Curaçao through trusted partners working with the Regulator. It takes several weeks to incorporate and acquire a license. You don’t need to set up the server in Curacao. However, a regular backup server must be physically located.
The regulatory body, known as the Curacao Gambling Board, oversees the issuance of licenses and ensures compliance with gaming laws Seven governor-appointed members including the president, vice-president, and prosecutor, who each gave up four-year terms however, prompted an investigation into recent allegations of money laundering in the gaming industry. As a result, some workers left when their licenses expired. But Curacao has managed to attract popular European online casinos such as William Hill and Unibet during the year. So you can trust the authority to grant you a license to run an online gambling business. Curacao Casinos also offer the same Online Slot Selection as the MGA Casinos
Final Words
Hopefully, the five best places to get a gambling license online will assist you in getting licensed. Licensing provides confidence and authority to the user. Most users check the license of an online casino before signing up. Before choosing a jurisdiction for your business, do your research. You must study the requirements, fill in the application, and provide all the necessary company documents, regardless of the gambling jurisdiction you choose. It will help you get the license in a short time.
